"Why so serious?"The "Dark Knight's" earnings are nothing to laugh at
Patrick White/HC Media/Collegian
September 4, 2008
This summer came a story of terrorism, corrupt officials, and the epic failure of one man. Does this sound like a blockbuster smash? Not exactly, right? What if someone told you this film is the second highest grossing movie of all time with nearly 505 million dollars nationally? Let me introduce you to the tale of a man adorned in black rubber and pointy ears. He's Batman!
"The Dark Knight," the latest Batman film released by Warner Brothers Studios has broken records of all kinds and has changed the face of cinema. This film was not afraid to take on the tough issues and still make it entertaining. For this reason Christopher Nolan director and screenwriter of the previous installment of the Batman franchise, "Batman Begins," has changed the way people will look at the superhero genre.
In the latest film the DC Comics character must face off with his most well known nemesis; The Joker. He is just as responsible for this overwhelming success. In fact, his character is nearly as widely known as Batman himself. There has also been plenty of buzz around this film due to the character of The Joker.
First, the casting choice of Heath Ledger was not immediately accepted. This speculation of Ledger's portrayal was quickly silenced after the first full theatrical trailer premiere. Secondly, the tragic news of Ledger's death in January also took the hype to a new level. People began to pay more attention, because it would document the final full performance of Ledger. Finally, this, unlike many other summer movies through the years was good.
It took on issues that affect the world today from terrorism, to corruption, heroism, failure, chaos, leadership etc. On top of the drama, colorful characters, and intense action sequences comes a powerhouse that is still raking in the dough with an additional 11 million dollars added this weekend.
This movie eclipsed every big blockbuster this year, from kung fu fighting pandas to a man made of iron. There had been well-reviewed films in the superhero genre, and quite a few not well reviewed. However, never had one received such overwhelmingly positive reviews since the first two "X-Men" movies or even the original "Superman". The question at hand though is why did "The Dark Knight" do so well? Many could mention the brilliant marketing team that created major hype before its release on July 18. To others it was the characters Batman and Joker on the big screen together, which has not happened in almost 20 years.
What it truly comes down to is the brilliant direction and writing from Nolan and his team. "The Dark Knight" dared to say, "Just because they are guys in capes does not mean they do not have engaging stories to tell."
It should be regarded as an example of how to correctly portray what many see as frivolous characters. It is also a message to the studios of a failing commercial film society and that message is simple. If they want to make a large sum of money, maybe taking their time is not the worst thing they can do.
Hopefully this message is in the minds of film studios now and Warner Brothers has followed this winning strategy with its next graphic novel adaptation, "Watchmen." Maybe the studio could even take on a few other characters next if they stick to this successful plan. Batman is just one of a league that deserves a studio's justice.
Until then the fans will just wait as the caped crusader nears a record of 600 million dollars which only a historical ship has reached.
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